Al Ain for groups, oasis, fort and mountain.

Where Al Ain fits in a UAE programme

Most groups see Dubai and Abu Dhabi first. Al Ain is the third option for those who want to see the country beyond the coast. It sits inland, close to the border with Oman, with palm gardens, old mud brick buildings and a mountain that stands alone at its edge. It feels slower and greener than the coast, and the air is drier.

The trip works as a day from Dubai because the drive is a straight highway run of about 1.5 hours each way. It does not work well in a hurry, because the places to see are spread out, and the group will want time to walk.

The oasis and the fort

The Al Ain Oasis is a working palm grove with shaded paths and an old irrigation system. Walking it is cooler than walking in the open, and it is easy ground for mixed ages. Nearby stand forts and museums in mud brick, which give the story of the region before oil.

Opening hours, entry rules and any group restrictions are for the venue to state, and they change by season and by day of the week. Check the organiser or venue for your date. Some places close for part of the week or for the Friday midday prayer. The group leader should confirm the list a week before and again two days before.

We take the group to the drop point and wait. Tickets, if there are any, are the group's to buy. We do not sell tickets or tours.

Jebel Hafeet: an optional extra

Jebel Hafeet is the mountain on the edge of the city. A winding road climbs to a viewpoint near the top, and groups go up for the view over the city and the desert, especially in the late afternoon. It adds time, usually an hour or more with stops.

The climb is steep with bends, and coaches of different sizes handle it differently. For groups up to 30 we suggest the mini coach. For groups of 31 to 50, tell us you want to go up and we confirm whether the 50-seater is the right vehicle for that day. Weather matters too: fog or dust can hide the view, and the road can be closed in poor conditions.

Heat, and how to plan around it

Al Ain is hot in summer, often hotter than the coast, and outdoor walking from late morning to mid afternoon is hard work between about May and September. If you must go in those months, start early, do the oasis first and move to indoor stops after lunch.

In the cooler months, roughly November to March, the oasis is at its best and you can stay later. A group of older travellers should still have shade, water and seats in mind. The coach keeps the cabin cool and the driver can stock bottled water if you ask when you book.

Which vehicle

These are the starting prices for a full day of up to 10 hours within Dubai, with driver and fuel. Al Ain is an intercity day, so we do not apply them directly. The written quote confirms the exact price for your date, route and hours. See the price page for the basis.

An example day for 32 guests

This is an example only. A 50-seater coach leaves a Dubai hotel at 07:30. It reaches Al Ain around 09:15. The oasis comes first, while it is cool. A museum or fort in late morning, then lunch. After lunch the group drives up Jebel Hafeet for the view, or visits an indoor stop if the heat is high. Departure about 15:30. Back in Dubai near 17:30, though the evening traffic into the city can add time.

The driver waits at each stop. If the group is late, the leader tells the driver, and any extra waiting is shown as an hourly figure on the quote.

Combining Al Ain with other plans

Some groups visit Al Ain on the way to or from Abu Dhabi, spending one day in the capital and one inland. Our Abu Dhabi group day trip page shows the capital side of that plan. If you only need a car and driver for a few people, the Dubai to Al Ain transfer page is the place.

For a group that wants a quieter mountain day closer to Dubai, see Hatta. Read the guide to choosing a bus rental company if you are comparing operators.

How to ask for a quote

Use the booking page and send the date, the headcount, the pick-up points, the stops and the time you need to be back. A fixed written quote follows, normally within the hour. Nothing is charged before you confirm, and changes follow the terms on the quote.

Prices for these vehicles

Starting prices with driver and fuel, within Dubai. Hourly hire has a minimum number of hours, confirmed on your quote. Monthly prices are for a daily staff route; the route, hours and working days are confirmed on your quote. Your written quote gives the exact price for your date and route.

Related: Dubai to Al Ain · Coach rental Dubai · Minibus rental Dubai · Bus rental prices · Get a quote

Keep reading

• Dubai to Al Ain: The Garden City in about 90 minutes: one-way, return, or a full day with the oasis and Jebel Hafeet.
• Ras Al Khaimah trip: Ras Al Khaimah for groups of 13 to 100: mountain and coast in one trip, the drive length and how to choose between a day and an overnight.
• Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah: From DXB or your Dubai hotel to the resorts of Al Marjan and Al Hamra, or up the Jebel Jais road.
• Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) transfer: Groups landing at Al Maktoum International (DWC): the one terminal, drive times to the Marina, JLT, Expo City and Downtown, and the right van or coach.
• Fujairah day trip: A coach day from Dubai to the east coast: the mountain road, a beach stop, the long return and how driver hours shape the plan.
• Abu Dhabi day trip: A coach day from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for groups of 13 to 100: the mosque, the Corniche, the return drive and the buffers that keep the evening on time.